Maragogipe, Historical municipality in Recôncavo Baiano, Brazil.
Maragogipe is a municipality in the Recôncavo Baiano region, situated along the Paraguaçu River within the wider Baía de Todos os Santos area. The territory includes portions of the Baía do Iguape Marine Extractive Reserve, featuring mangrove landscapes and river systems.
Settlement began in 1557 when Governor Duarte da Costa granted land to his son Álvaro da Costa to establish a colony there. This early colonization shaped the place's development over the following centuries.
The town maintains strong Afro-Brazilian traditions visible in communities like Quilombo Salamina Putumuju, where residents keep alive practices rooted in colonial times. These spaces show how local life is shaped by this heritage today.
The best time to explore is during drier months when paths are easier to navigate and river conditions are calmer. Visitors should come prepared for the nearby mangrove areas, which are best experienced with local guides.
The name comes from the indigenous Marag-gyp people who hunted and farmed in the region before Portuguese arrival. This hidden connection to their past remains woven into the area's identity.
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